Corn Sweat Midwest Humidity: If you live in the Midwest, you’ve likely noticed the oppressive humidity that seems to blanket the region during the summer months. This year, however, it’s not just the heat that’s making people sweat—it’s a phenomenon called ‘corn sweat.’ While it may sound like a quirky term, its impact on the Midwest’s weather is anything but trivial. This week, as temperatures soar, humidity levels are also climbing, thanks to the millions of acres of corn and soybean fields that dominate the landscape.
What Exactly Is ‘Corn Sweat’?
Corn sweat, or evapotranspiration, is the process by which corn plants release water vapor into the atmosphere. This isn’t just a little bit of water; a single acre of corn can release up to 4,000 gallons of water per day during peak growing season. The process is simple: corn plants absorb water from the soil through their deep taproots. To regulate their temperature, especially during hot weather, these plants release excess water vapor through tiny pores in their leaves—a process similar to how humans sweat.
Paul Okello, an Assistant Agricultural Scientist at Northwest Missouri State University, explains, “There’s evaporation from the corn. And corn, just like human beings, when the temperatures are high, we want to stay cool. So that’s a way for the corn to ensure that it stays cool around that time of the year, and that is at the peak of the growing season, when there’s tasseling and there’s grain formation. So it’s just a way for the corn to stay cool.”
Why Is ‘Corn Sweat’ Particularly Noticeable This Year?
In a typical year, the effects of corn sweat might go unnoticed, blending into the general summer humidity. However, this year has been different. Missouri and other Midwestern states are experiencing higher-than-normal humidity levels due to a combination of dense crop fields, high crop yields, and prolonged heat waves. The sheer volume of water vapor released by these crops contributes significantly to the region’s sticky, uncomfortable air.
Corn isn’t the only culprit. Missouri is also known for its vast soybean fields, which, like corn, release large amounts of water vapor to maintain their growing temperature. This dual contribution from both corn and soybean fields means that the air in the Midwest is saturated with moisture, adding to the discomfort of residents.
The Science Behind ‘Corn Sweat’
The science of corn sweat revolves around the plant’s natural cooling mechanisms. Corn plants absorb water from the ground, pulling it up through their roots. As temperatures rise, these plants need to cool down to survive. They do this by releasing the absorbed water back into the atmosphere through a process called transpiration. This release of water vapor increases the air’s humidity, creating a microclimate around the fields that can feel significantly more humid than surrounding areas.
This phenomenon is most pronounced during the peak growing season when the corn is at its fullest growth potential, typically around mid to late summer. During this time, the combination of high temperatures and high humidity can make the heat feel even more intense, a situation that can be particularly dangerous for those working outdoors or those with health conditions affected by heat and humidity.
Impact on Weather and Climate
The release of water vapor from crops like corn and soybeans doesn’t just make it feel hotter—it can also affect local weather patterns. High humidity levels can lead to the formation of storms, as moist air is a key ingredient in thunderstorm development. The Midwest, with its vast expanses of corn and soybean fields, effectively becomes a giant humidifier, pumping moisture into the atmosphere and potentially fueling severe weather.
Moreover, as climate change continues to raise global temperatures, the effects of corn sweat could become more pronounced. Warmer temperatures could lead to even higher rates of evapotranspiration, exacerbating the region’s humidity levels and potentially creating a feedback loop that makes the Midwest even more humid in the future.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for Future Summers
As we head into mid to late September, the levels of water vapor released by crops will begin to decrease as the growing season comes to an end and harvest begins. However, agricultural scientists like Paul Okello are hoping that more awareness of this phenomenon will lead to further research. Understanding corn sweat and its impact on local climates is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate its effects, especially as we face more extreme weather patterns in the future.
Conclusion: Staying Cool in the Heart of Corn Country
For now, residents of the Midwest are advised to take precautions to stay cool and hydrated during these sweltering days. Understanding the impact of agricultural practices on local weather is a key part of adapting to a changing climate. ‘Corn sweat’ may be a quirky term, but it represents a significant factor in the Midwest’s unique summer climate.
As we continue to learn more about the interconnectedness of agriculture, climate, and human health, it’s clear that phenomena like corn sweat are more than just curiosities—they are critical pieces of the puzzle in our understanding of regional weather patterns and climate resilience. So, next time you feel that sticky, oppressive air, you’ll know—it’s not just the heat, it’s the corn sweat.
